Latest news with #MenangNoongar
ABC News
24-06-2025
- Health
- ABC News
Brain Rot: Is internet addiction real?
Plenty of people will say they are addicted to the internet. But how well-recognised, scientifically, is an addiction ... to your screen? In episode four of Brain Rot, we dig into how behavioural addictions work. And we hear from self-described internet addicts about the treatment programs helping them manage their relationship with technology. Brain Rot is a new five part series from the ABC's Science Friction about how tech is changing our brains, hosted by Ange Lavoipierre. Guests: Jillian and Kate Internet and Technology Addiction Anonymous members Hilarie Cash Psychologist and Co-Founder, reSTART Anna Lembke Professor of Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine Anastasia Hronis Clinical Psychologist; Author, The Dopamine Brain Dar Meshi Associate Professor, Michigan State University Credits: Presenter: Ange Lavoipierre Presenter: Ange Lavoipierre Producer: Fiona Pepper Producer: Fiona Pepper Senior Producer: James Bullen Senior Producer: James Bullen Sound Engineer: Tim Symonds This story was made on the lands of the Gadigal and Menang Noongar peoples. More Information: Changes and correlates of screen time in adults and children during the COVID-19 pandemic: A systematic review and meta analysis. Internet-addicted South Korean children sent to digital detox boot camp.
West Australian
06-06-2025
- General
- West Australian
Hundreds of historical artefacts unearthed during archaeological dig at Strawberry Hill at Barmup
More than 400 artefacts — including pieces of porcelain, slate and teeth — have been found during an eight-day archaeological dig at WA's oldest colonial farm, Strawberry Hill at Barmup. The project manager of the National Trust-owned site, Michael Wells, said the primary objective of the dig was to locate the flagstones that once formed the floor of old stables that were built almost 200 years ago at the Albany property. 'We didn't succeed in that so it remains a mystery as to whether those flagstones are still there but there was lots of other things found by the archaeologists,' he said. 'I believe there was about 400 artefacts, mostly just small items, that were uncovered and then they're going to be analysed and I'm sure they're going to help us to understand the history of Strawberry Hill at Barmup.' Marbles, fragments of porcelain, glass, slate and what are believed to be horse teeth were among the hundreds of items the team sifted through. Conducted by a team of three architects from May 22-29, the dig was focused on the areas to the west and east of the main house to ensure no heritage items or structures would be damaged during upcoming infrastructure upgrades. As well as the flagstones, the team were searching for remains of an old veranda that was once attached to the main house. The property was established in 1826 as a government farm before being developed into the family home for one of Albany's earliest residents, Sir Richard Spencer. 'What I loved about this whole thing is just the insight that it gives us into what it might've been like there in the 1830s,' Mr Wells said. 'I mean it was a working farm and they didn't have motorcars so of course they had horses. They needed a place to keep the horses so that conjures up all sorts of images and then moving forward in time, the remains of those stables were still there until the late 70s we believe. 'It went through a lot of transitions and it went from being used by horses to being used to repair motorcars and I think possibly to store motorcars, so it's a pretty interesting site which has got a lot to tell us about the long and interesting history of Strawberry Hill.' The site demonstrates many firsts for WA: first farm, first farmhouse, and first two-storey building. Before earning those titles it was a highly significant meeting place for Menang Noongar people, a fact honoured by the presence of Wagyl Kaip Southern Noongar Aboriginal Corporation staff members at the dig, who kept an eye out for any significant Indigenous artefacts that may be unearthed. Mr Wells said though the findings still needed to be analysed, he hoped the artefacts could serve as part of the heritage property's attraction. 'We're moving towards a point next year when Strawberry Hill is gonna be transformed into quite a different place and we're really determined to make it a tourism drawcard the way that it isn't now,' he said. 'Artefacts like these can potentially be put on display and they can help to evoke for visitors that combination of colonial and Aboriginal history.'
ABC News
03-06-2025
- Health
- ABC News
Brain Rot: Is there any proof your phone is destroying your attention span?
Everyone seems to have a hunch that their phone is destroying their attention span, but is there any science to back it up? In episode one of Brain Rot, we're doing our best to focus on the topic of attention for a full 25 minutes — and find out what's actually happening in your brain every time your phone buzzes or dings. Is brain rot a real thing? Or just another moral panic? And how do you know when your own screen use has gone too far? Brain Rot is a new five part series from the ABC's Science Friction about how tech is changing our brains, hosted by Ange Lavoipierre. Guests: Anna Seirian CEO, Internet People Dr Mark Williams Professor, Macquarie University; Cognitive neuroscientist Michoel Moshel Clinical Neuropsychologist Registrar; Phd Candidate, Macquarie University Professor Marion Thain Professor of Culture and Technology, University of Edinburgh; Director, Edinburgh Futures Institute Credits: Presenter: Ange Lavoipierre Presenter: Ange Lavoipierre Producer: Fiona Pepper Producer: Fiona Pepper Senior Producer: James Bullen Senior Producer: James Bullen Sound Engineer: Brendan O'Neill This story was made on the lands of the Gadigal and Menang Noongar peoples. More information: Neuropsychological Deficits in Disordered Screen Use Behaviours: A Systematic Review and Meta‑Analysis - Neuropsychology Review, 2024. Do we have your attention? How people focus and live in the modern information environment - King's College London, 2022. Internet addiction-induced brain structure and function alterations: a systematic review and meta-analysis of voxel-based morphometry and resting-state functional connectivity studies - Brain Imaging and Behavior, 2023.
West Australian
30-05-2025
- General
- West Australian
Middleton Beach foreshore designers earn award of excellence from Australian Institute of Architects
Marrying natural beauty with pragmatic place making has earned the designers of the Middleton Beach Foreshore an award of excellence from the WA Chapter of the Australian Institute of Architects. The project, designed by the City of Albany and See Design, was successful in the civic landscape category and honoured at a ceremony held at the Royal Perth Yacht Club on Friday. 'Binalup / Middleton Beach is one of Western Australia's most iconic and cherished coastal destinations, and this award is a testament to what's possible when good design is grounded in community, culture and care for the environment,' Mayor Greg Stocks said. 'The Foreshore Enhancement Project has transformed Binalup into a more resilient, functional and beautiful public space, and we're proud to have worked in close partnership with See Design Studio to design and deliver it. 'To receive this recognition from the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects reinforces how important this project is — not just for Albany, but as an example of civic landscape done well.' See Design director Eoin Gladish said the project had a personal significance for him. 'I have wonderful childhood memories of Middleton Beach and I relished the opportunity to create a design to reinvigorate this cherished coastline,' he said. 'First and foremost, we design for people. 'It's really exciting to see the local community embracing and engaging with the waterfront — whether they're cycling, walking, exercising, picnicking or just relaxing. 'That's my greatest reward.' The Middleton Beach foreshore was praised for the designers' selection of materials and their response to erosion of the coastline. 'The design leverages the site's natural beauty and applies a restrained, elegant material palette to shape a series of multifunctional public spaces that improve beach access and amenity,' the jury said. It was also applauded for the way it recognised the area's cultural significance to the Menang Noongar people. 'The project respects its deep history while supporting Middleton Beach as a shared and enduring public space,' the jury said. The foreshore also received a regional achievement award. The design incorporated a buried seawall to protect against erosion and featured upgraded pathways, seating and gathering spaces. 'Middleton Beach foreshore is one of Albany's most cherished coastal destinations, valued for its community, cultural, and environmental significance,' the jury said. 'The renewal enhances public access, coastal protection, and ecological resilience while preserving its role as a gathering place.' Other winners on the night were Bunbury's Maidens Reserve which took home the most prestigious award, the WA Medal. Perth's Oval at Subi East earned an award of excellence in the category of cultural heritage as well as two landscape architecture awards in the civic landscape, and parks and open spaces sections.
West Australian
28-05-2025
- Business
- West Australian
Nationals MLA for Albany Scott Leary delivers moving inaugural speech in State Parliament
Albany's new MLA Scott Leary delivered a moving inaugural address in State Parliament last week, drawing laughter and even a collective 'aw' from the sitting members. Mr Leary's 17-minute speech on May 20 began with an apology after his phone went off during the preceding speech: 'As a volunteer firefighter in the Kalgan Volunteer Fire Brigade you can have whatever setting you like on the phone, but the BART system will override it.' In the wide-ranging address, Mr Leary described his humble journey into politics, from leaving school after Year 10 to rising through the corporate ranks at Westpac and Albany City Motors. 'As a proposed used car salesman — although I was a director and a financial controller — I am grateful that the chamber has lawyers and real estate agents to keep me off the bottom of the ladder,' he said to chuckles from the sitting members. He also laid out his priorities as Albany's first Nationals MLA in 70 years: regional health care, roads and transport links, backing local business, opportunities for young people, protecting the environment and increasing housing stock. He detailed the 'extraordinary natural beauty and immense historical significance' of the electorate, touching on the ancient and continuing custodianship of the land by the Menang Noongar people, the city's forthcoming bicentenary, and its 'proud' role as the home of the Anzac. 'Albany has always been central to Western Australia's story,' he said. 'It is a story of discovery, of courage, of community. 'Together, with pride in our past and hope in our future, we will write its next and greatest chapters.' He also noted the region's economic weight, though unfortunately appeared to get his facts wrong, saying that 'Our region makes up approximately 20 per cent of the number of Western Australians who live outside the greater metro area, but we contribute up to 60 per cent of the State's GDP.' The Great Southern makes up 9 per cent of the State's regional population and contributes 1.3 per cent to its gross regional product, according to data published by the Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation in its 2024 WA Economic Profile. But it wasn't all business for the former financial director, who took the time to thank the family members, friends, colleagues and mentors who had helped him along the way, choking up as he spoke of his 'amazing' sons. 'Of all the things I have done in my life, the greatest achievement I am most proud of is the sons and the men they have become,' Mr Leary said, drawing a collective 'aw' from the audience. He went on to thank the people of Albany, Mt Barker and the Great Southern for placing their trust in him, which he said he carries 'with deep humility and a fierce determination to serve'. 'Today is one of the proudest days of my life,' he said. Nationals leader Shane Love and Opposition Leader Basil Zempilas were among the throng surrounding Mr Leary with Mr Zempilas caught on the mic telling the newly elected member 'beautiful speech, well done'.
